The literacy hour in primary schools is credited with having improved reading and writing standards among younger children.

A spokeswoman for the Department for Education and Skills said: "High levels
of literacy are crucial to the economic and social well being of this nation - that's why we have focused on improving reading and writing standards in our schools.

"Last year 99% of all 15-year-olds in schools who took GCSE English passed it and have the equivalent of functional literacy or above.

"We are also working to raise skills among adults. The new family literacy and numeracy strategy is backed by £10m and is working to help parents and their children improve their literacy and numeracy skills."